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If you live in a rural area of Cleveland, TN, there is a good chance that you have a septic system. Septic systems are different from sewer systems in that you aren’t connected to the city’s sewer system. When water goes down your drains or the toilet, it goes out into the septic tank that is buried under the ground. The solid waste in the tank is broken down by the bacteria and microorganisms inside the tank. The liquid goes through a pipe into a drainage field. In order for your septic system to function properly, you need to call for regular septic tank pumping. You need to call to have your tank pumped when it is full, and there are three definitions of a full tank.

• The tank is filled to the normal level: This means that your tank is full to the level that it was designed to hold. If it gets any higher than this, it is considered full.

• Sludge has accumulated: Paper and waste can build up in the tank, and it won’t disappear on its own, and it needs to be pumped.

• Overfilled tank: This occurs when the drainage field cannot accept any more water, so the water backs up into the overflow tank. It will need to be pumped to keep it from overflowing.

If you recently bought your home and are new to septic systems, it is essential that you can recognize the signs that it is time for a septic tank pumping.

#1 The Amount of Time Since Your Last Pumping

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you should have your septic tank pumped every three to five years. The exact amount of time between pumps would depend on the septic tank usage. If just two or three people are living in your home, you won’t need to have your tank pumped as often as a family of six would. The time between septic tank pumping also depends on the appliance you use, such as a washing machine, a dishwasher, and a garbage disposal. If you have these appliances in your home, you will need to call for a septic tank pumping more often. Finally, the size of your septic tank is a factor. A smaller tank would need to be pumped more often than a larger tank.

#2 Foul Odor Coming from the Septic

Typically, you should smell any foul odors from your septic tank or from your plumbing. Septic systems are designed to process and dispose of the waste without giving off any type of odor. If you are outside your Cleveland, TN home, near the septic tank and you smell a foul odor, it is probably time to call for septic tank plumbing. The same is true if you smell a foul smell coming up from your drains. This is another sign that you should call for a septic tank pumping as soon as possible.

#3 Slow Drains

This one can be a little tricky. Your drains should flow quickly and clearly. If they are draining slowly, it could be a sign that you need to call for septic tank plumbing. It is a bit tricky because a clogged drain can also cause slow drains. To figure out which is causing the problem, you should check all of the drains in your home. If just one drain is slow, there is a good chance it is a clog. If multiple drains are slow, there is a good chance that you need to call for septic tank pumping. When the septic tank is overfilled, it will cause slow drains. The only way to rectify the problem is to schedule a septic tank pumping.

#4 Standing Water

If you notice that there is standing water or pooling water near the base of your septic tank, there is a very good chance that it needs to be pumped. When the tank is overfilled, the waste can get clogged in the pipes, causing the water to pool. The best way to rectify this problem is to call and schedule a septic tank pumping.

#5 Gurgling Sounds

If you flush your toilets and hear a gurgling sound, it is a sign that there is a problem. The same is true if you hear a gurgling sound when water goes down the drain.

In most cases, these sounds are telling you that it is time to have your septic tank pumped. If you have had the tank pumped and you still hear the gurgling sound, you may need to call a plumber who specializes in septic tanks. If the sound isn’t due to a full tank, there is likely something wrong with your septic system.

#6 Trouble Flushing

If your toilet isn’t pumping correctly, or if you need to flush a couple of times to get the toilet to flush, it is a sign that there is a problem. The issue could be a clog that is making it hard to flush the toilet. If you are having trouble flushing multiple toilets, it likely isn’t a clog, and you probably need to have your septic tank pumped.

#7 Lush Lawn Around the Septic Tank

We all dream of having a lush, green lawn. However, if your lawn looks great only around the septic tank, there is a good chance that you need to schedule an appointment for a septic tank pumping. If you have been keeping up with your septic tank pumping and you notice that the green is lush around the septic tank, it could be something more serious like a crack in the septic tank. In this case, you might need to call a septic tank plumber to get to the bottom of the problem.

#8 Sewage Backup

The most obvious sign that you need to have your septic tank pumped if the sewage backs up in your yard. This is a serious problem because raw sewage can cause a serious health risk. If you see any signs of a sewage backup, you should call to have.

If you recognize any of the signs listed above, it is essential that you have your septic tank pumped immediately. We at Metro Plumbing, Heating, and Air are septic tank professionals. If there is an underlying issue with your septic tank, we can find the root of the problem and repair it before it creates a more significant, expensive issue. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today.